Default Judgment

Definition - What does Default Judgment mean?

A default judgment is when a judge or a court makes a ruling without the typical conclusion of the trial because one party fails to do something that is required. For example, a defendant may not show up for their court date. In this circumstance, the judge can simply make the ruling in the plaintiff's favor as a default response to the fact that the defendant did not make a defense on their behalf.

Justipedia explains Default Judgment

A default ruling is basically when the court makes a decision as a response to the fact that one party failed to comply with an aspect of the legal process. If a defendant is found guilty on a default judgment, they will still face the consequences of the ruling despite the fact that they were not present at the trial or did not comply with the legal process. If default rulings did not exist, then people accused of committing crimes could simply avoid going to trial, and never have to face the consequences of their actions.